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  1. Repair
  2. Whirlpool
  3. Whirlpool Dishwasher
  4. Dishwasher no water

Whirlpool dishwasher no water

Common reasons your Whirlpool dishwasher has no water

The most common reasons your Whirlpool dishwasher has no water are a broken detergent dispenser, defective electronic control board or a clogged water valve.

  • 56%

    56% of the time it's the
    Detergent Dispenser

  • 31%

    31% of the time it's the
    Electronic Control Board

  • 7%

    7% of the time it's the
    Water Valve

  • 6%

    6% of the time it's the
    Something else

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    Most common repairs needed to fix a Whirlpool dishwasher

    Detergent Dispenser Replacement

    A broken detergent dispenser can prevent the dishwasher from filling with water when the dispenser shorts out and prevents the electronic control board from sending electrical current to the water valve. Corrosion or water can enter the inner dishwasher door panel to short out wiring in the detergent dispenser. The dispenser body can also crack. A crack in the dispenser housing will allow water to get into the inner door panel and short out the dispenser. Have a Sears Home Services professional examine your dishwasher and replace the broken detergent dispenser when it prevents the dishwasher from filling with water.


    Electronic Control Board Replacement

    When your dishwasher is getting no water, it could have a defective electronic control board. The control board sends current to the fill valve to fill the dishwasher when the control board is working properly. A failed relay or corrupted logic on the circuit board could prevent the control board from sending electrical current to the fill valve. Determining whether an electronic control board is defective is difficult. Have a Sears Home Services Repair Expert visit your home and fix the dishwasher when it is getting no water.

    Water Valve Replacement

    A clogged water valve is a common cause for a dishwasher getting no water. The water valve opens when it gets electrical current from the control. Openings through the water valve can easily get clogged with deposits or debris so water won’t flow through the valve to fill the dishwasher. It’s not a good idea to clear a clogged water valve because the valve can stick open and flood your kitchen. When your dishwasher won’t fill, have a Sears Home Services Tech visit your home and replace a clogged water valve.

    What to expect when you experience a Whirlpool dishwasher no water issue

    How is the no water problem fixed?

    Correcting most no water problems usually involves replacing the detergent dispenser, electronic control board or water valve. However, there are many potential causes, so a thorough diagnosis is key to fixing the problem. An accurate diagnosis is essential to understanding how much the repair will be.

    Sears Home Services recommendations for a dishwasher that has no water

    When the dishwasher has no water it can be for many reasons. To avoid replacing unneeded parts we recommend having a Sears Home Services professional perform diagnostic tests to identify the root cause of the problem. Our technicians are experienced at diagnosing all types of dishwasher failures.

    What to look out for with a dishwasher no water diagnosis

    Diagnosing modern appliances without proper knowledge and training can be difficult. Without using proper diagnostic techniques, fixing your dishwasher problem will only be achieved through changing parts on a hunch. Appliances, especially in the last 10 years, have become extremely advanced, and many models have electronic parts that are difficult to test. DIY repairs on the latest appliance models are becoming increasingly difficult.

    Troubleshooting Whirlpool Dishwasher No Water Spraying Issue

    A Whirlpool dishwasher that has no water spraying won't be able to clean your dishes. Here are some common causes and fixes to help you get it back in action. Start by checking the spray arms. Sometimes, food particles or debris can clog the spray arms, preventing water from spraying. Remove the spray arms and give them a good cleaning to get the water flowing again.

    If the spray arms are okay, take a look at the water inlet valve. This valve controls the water flow into the dishwasher. If it's clogged or damaged, it might not be sending water to the dishwasher and spray arms. Check for any blockages and replace the valve if necessary.

    The circulation pump is another component to inspect. This pump is responsible for spraying water throughout the dishwasher. If it’s malfunctioning, the pump might need to be replaced. Listen for any unusual noises during the wash cycle, as this could indicate a pump issue.

    Another thing to consider is the electronic control board. This board manages all the dishwasher's functions, including water spraying. If there’s an issue with the control board, it might not send the right signals to the pump and valve. A technician can test and replace the control board if needed.

    Make sure your water pressure is adequate. Low water pressure can affect the dishwasher’s ability to spray water. Ensure the water supply line is fully open and check for any kinks or blockages.

    By addressing these potential issues, you can often fix the problem of your Whirlpool dishwasher not spraying water. If you're still having trouble, don't hesitate to call in a professional technician for help.

    What our customers say about us

    With more than 1.3 Million 5 Star Reviews, you don't have to take our word for it

    Thorough

    James called to give an estimated arrival time. He was professional and personable. He had 2 professional ideas of the problem and found 1 was correct, but he didn't stop there. He did a thorough check of the appliance. 1 small part was needed. He ordered the part to my house. Fortunately, he was able to schedule for the next week, just before Thanksgiving. As before, he called ahead, arrived and quickly fixed the problem. My appliance is working perfectly.


    Kirsten A, Oxford, PA

    Service Call

    Luke was great. Polite and knowledgeable even though the dishwasher was older than he!


    James G, Hillsboro, MO

    Daniel

    Daniel went above and beyond to fix my dish washer. Very pleasant to deal with.


    Paul F, Hghlnds Ranch, CO

    Repair Dishwasher Resources

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    Title image for blog article "How Does a Dishwasher Air Gap Work?"
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    Learn how an air gap works in the drain system of a dishwasher.

    Title image for blog article "How Does a Portable Dishwasher Work?"
    7 min readNov. 13

    Learn how a portable dishwasher works.

    Title image for blog article "How Does a Recirculation Pump Work?"
    5 min readNov. 13

    Learn how a recirculation pump works in a dishwasher and how to troubleshoot pump problems.

    Glossary Terms

    Hard water is water that contains high levels of dissolved minerals, particularly calcium and magnesium. It contrasts with soft water, which has lower concentrations of these minerals.

    A French-door refrigerator features two doors that open side-by-side on the top section for the refrigerator compartment, with a bottom freezer drawer, combining style, efficiency, and easy access to both refrigerated and frozen goods.

    A furnace is a major appliance that heats air distributed throughout a home or building via a ductwork system.

    A furnace blower motor is a crucial component of a home heating system that drives the fan responsible for circulating air throughout the HVAC system and into the living spaces of the home.

    Additional possible Whirlpool dishwasher symptoms you may experience